All-change at Belle Vue

BELLE Vue Aces, who finished third bottom last year, will boast a new line-up when the Elite League season gets under way on Monday night.

They welcome 2008 runners-up Lakeside Hammers to Kirmanshulme Lane.

Star attraction Jason Crump and stalwart Joe Screen have both left.

Crump has joined an exodus of top talent, including top-ranked Brit Scott Nicholls, in quitting Elite League action to concentrate on his Grand Prix ambitions.

In fact, only two of the world’s top 10 riders will feature in the Elite League.

Poland star and former world under-21 champion Krysztof Kasprzak has joined as Aces’ new number one.

After enjoying his best season, Charlie Gjedde takes over as skipper and is now a “full Ace” having ridden on loan from Swindon in 2008. Simon Stead has moved in the opposite direction.

Ulrich Ostergaard has made the move after a successful spell with Premier League Reading Racers, and will take the third heat leader slot at the start of the season.

Ostergaard, who was the top rider in the Premier League last season, will come under pressure from James Wright and Billy Forsberg, who is recovering from a wrist injury. Aces have signed experienced Dane Henning Bager as cover

There are also high hopes for reserves Patrick Hougaard and Steve Boxall.

Exciting Swedish prospect Tomas Jonasson completes the line-up and will “double up” by riding for Edinburgh Monarchs in the Premier League.